Travel across Belgium affected by strike in four provinces

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association)- Belgian workers from several sectors walk out on their jobs in four of Belgium’s 10 provinces, severely affecting travel across the country.

The industrial action took place on Monday in protest at new state austerity measures.

Affected by the protest action were the port of Antwerp, the fast-train link between Paris and Brussels, and onward travel to Amsterdam among other means of transport.

The ASTB rail union has said that it is launching a first nationwide work stoppage on December 11. The union says it has unsuccessfully been trying to negotiate with the rail management for two months.

Belgian trade unions have planned a general stoppage for December 15.

They object to the government’s decision to scrap plans for a usually automatic cost-of-living raise next year. The unions also reject public sector cutbacks and plans to raise the retirement age from 65 to 66 from 2025 and to 67 in 2030.

Earlier this month, several people were injured in Brussels during protests against the austerity measures announced by the new center-right coalition government led by Prime Minister Charles Michel.